FAQs

Q: What is a Utility Users Tax?
A: The Utility Users Tax is a tax on telecommunication utility bills. Since 1975, residents of Inglewood have paid a Utility Users Tax on telephone. Like many other California cities, Inglewood uses this funding to provide essential community services such as fire, senior, and youth programs.

Q: What has changed?
A: Over the past 33 years, communications technology has changed. To keep pace with technology advances, and comply with the law, the City must modernize its Utility User Tax language to treat all taxpayers equally, regardless of the technology used.

Q: What is Measure UUT?
A: Measure UUT was unanimously placed on the November 4, 2008 ballot by the Inglewood City Council to address these technical issues. Measure UUT reduces existing taxes on cable/phone services from 10% to 8% and continues funding for important community services such as public safety, anti-gang/drug, and senior programs. Measure UUT is not a new tax – this measure will update and reduce an existing fee that telephone users have been paying since 1975. Low-income seniors will continue to be eligible for a refund under Measure UUT.

Q: Why is Measure UUT on the Ballot?
A: Recent federal court decisions and litigation in several California cities with ordinances similar to Inglewood’s have placed this tax revenue in jeopardy. With an adverse ruling the revenues collected under the current ordinance, which have funded local services for over 30 years, would be reduced. Adoption of the proposed ordinance would protect the City of Inglewood from an adverse outcome in any such litigation.

Q: What’s at stake?
A: Measure UUT protects funding for local fire and 9-1-1 emergency services. Without the revenue protected by Measure UUT, the City could be forced to close a neighborhood fire station. Measure UUT also ensures that local public safety workers can continue to respond quickly and effectively to 9-1-1 calls throughout the City and provide residents with lifesaving emergency services in a disaster such as an earthquake.

Q: How do we know that Measure UUT funds will be spent responsibly?
A: Measure UUT requires annual independent financial audits to ensure accountability to Inglewood residents—and Measure UUT maintains the existing opportunities for low-income seniors to obtain refunds. Finally, the Utility User Tax cannot be increased without voter approval.